Perpetrators lure victims into paying huge amounts of cash through bank transfers or other payment methods for goods or services. Victims also buy products that are advertised through the internet or social media. These items are never delivered. This includes motor vehicles, trailers, horses and rental accommodation.
Perpetrators normally ask the victim to deposit money into an anonymous bank account. They later also request the victim to pay extra money to help cover expenses for completing the deal, transport or insurance. Once the money has been paid complications may arise which necessitate the payment of more fees. The seller of these items also becomes untraceable as soon as the money has been transferred.
It is important to note the following when considering to enter into a business transaction with an unknown person or business:
• Check the credentials of the person or business to see whether or not the person operates a legitimate business or that the business does exist
• Never pay anything in advance unless you are absolutely sure that goods or services are going to be delivered
• Never provide the other party with blank letterheads or invoices
The public is further advised to be very careful when and to whom they disclose their bank details, because a risk might be involved.
One might think that it is inconceivable that a person could become a victim of such a questionable scheme. However, people have fallen prey to such schemes. There are no reliable figures which can be used to illustrate the extent of this scheme. Victims do not always report such incident due to the embarrassment that it may cause them.
The public is urged to take extra care when conducting business through the internet or social media.
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